As the lesson wound to a close on Valentine's Day, the students of Hogwarts began gathering their belongings, eager to escape the confines of the classroom. Amidst the flurry of activity, you caught sight of Severus Snape seated at his desk, his usually sharp features softened by a distant gaze.

Curiosity piqued, you made your way over to him, noting the uncharacteristic wistfulness in his dark eyes. "Severus, are you alright?" you asked softly, your voice cutting through the fading chatter of the room.

Startled, Severus blinked and quickly schooled his expression into one of cool indifference. "I'm fine," he replied, though the words lacked their usual bite, betraying a hint of vulnerability beneath the surface. "Can we talk?" He asked, after a brief moment.